The new four-lane section extends between Iowa Highway 4 near Rockwell City and U.S. Highway 71 near Early.

It is the second-longest continuous segment of four-lane highway to open in Iowa since the interstate highway system was built, according to Shirley Phillips, the president of the U.S. 20 Corridor Association.

Most importantly, the opening of this section beings the U.S. 20 project within 50 miles of completion.

The positive economic impact of a four-lane Highway 20 on the region cannot be overstated. One need only to travel the existing freeways and expressways of Iowa to see first-hand how development follows traffic infrastructure.

The Messenger applauds the continued development of this vital corridor.

And, as a postscript to our hypothetical Moville resident, take heart: Paving for the 11.5 miles from the east end of the expressway to Correctionville is programmed for 2016.